Takeda Options Potential Iclusig Successor In Ascentage Deal

Takeda has signed an option deal for Ascentage's olverembatinib, being investigated in two global Phase III trials in the same leukemia indications as those for the Japanese firm's existing drug Iclusig. Olverembatinib has also shown potential to overcome resistance to Iclusig and global competitor Novartis's Scemblix.

succession — Takeda and Ascentage's option and share investment deals hinge on a potential successor to Iclusig. • Source: Shutterstock

Chinese biotech Ascentage Pharma Group Corporation may license to Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. exclusive global rights to a potential successor to the Japanese major’s leukemia drug Iclusig (ponatinib).

The focus of the deal is olverembatinib, a third-generation BCR-ABL1 inhibitor the Chinese company touts as potentially able to overcome...